Forum Post: Connecticut Passes Landmark ‘Homeless Person’s Bill Of Rights’ Law

Connecticut is on the cusp of enacting a major new law to protect people who are homeless from discrimination. Last week, Connecticut lawmakers passed the “Homeless Person’s Bill Of Rights” at the literal 11th hour — 11:30pm on June 5th, one half hour before the legislative session ended. The bill, SB 896, a landmark piece of legislation to protect homeless individuals’ rights, adds homeless people as a protected class who can’t be discriminated against in employment, housing, or public accommodations. It also includes protections for homeless people to move freely in public spaces, such as parks and sidewalks, without being singled out for harassment by law enforcement officers.

Here are the bill’s seven protections: (1) Move freely in public spaces, including on public sidewalks, in public parks, on public transportation and in public buildings without harassment or intimidation from law enforcement officers in the same manner as other persons; (2) Have equal opportunities for employment; (3) Receive emergency medical care; (4) Register to vote and to vote; (5) Have personal information protected; (6) Have a reasonable expectation of privacy in his or her personal property; and (7) Receive equal treatment by state and municipal agencies.

more: http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/06/12/2139181/connecticut-homeless/